Massimo Carlotto

Biography

Massimo Carlotto (born 25 July 1956, Padua, Italy) is an acclaimed Italian crime writer, playwright, and screenwriter, widely regarded as one of the leading voices of modern Italian noir. Known for his dark, socially conscious narratives and morally complex characters, Carlotto has built a literary career that blends crime fiction with political and social commentary.

Early Life and Controversial Case

Carlotto’s life took a dramatic turn in 1976 when, at the age of 19, he became embroiled in a murder case in Padua. He discovered the body of a young woman but fled the scene out of fear. His inconsistent statements and political background—he had been involved in left-wing activism—made him a suspect.

He was convicted after a series of trials and appeals in a highly controversial legal battle that lasted years. Carlotto maintained his innocence throughout. After periods of imprisonment and time spent in exile in France and Mexico, he eventually returned to Italy. In 1993, he received a presidential pardon, though the case remains one of the most debated judicial stories in modern Italian history.

This turbulent chapter of his life profoundly influenced his writing, shaping his distrust of institutions and deep exploration of justice, guilt, and moral ambiguity.

Literary Career

Debut and the Birth of “The Alligator”

Carlotto’s literary debut came in 1995 with Il fuggiasco (“The Fugitive”), a semi-autobiographical account of his legal ordeal. The book gained critical attention and marked the beginning of his career as a crime novelist.

He soon introduced his most famous character, Marco Buratti—nicknamed “L’Alligatore” (“The Alligator”)—a blues-loving private investigator and former convict. The Alligator series became a cornerstone of Italian noir fiction. The character operates on the margins of legality, navigating corruption, organized crime, and political intrigue.

The series is notable for its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and critique of Italian society. The Alligator stories have been translated into multiple languages and adapted for television.